My overall impression regarding workmanship and performance is really very good relation. You get much more than in the 500 Euro class, for "almost 1,000 Euro Class" downright high-quality components. The case is indeed plastic, but may depend on the look and feel almost to the Apple MacBook Pro devices keep (my personal benchmark), which are of course just a tad bit thin and noble. From Dell Lattitude e5550 there are many different models, including touch screen or the i5-5300 instead i5-4310U. Touchscreen I do not need and the newer i5-5300U CPU has essentially only a minimal consumption advantage of doing nothing, which is about 5% more battery life brings, so you can safely for more favorable i5-4310U model grab.
Pro:
- Display (FullHD IPS)
- Keyboard (top tip quality that I otherwise only know the Apple MacBook Pro, also backlit)
- Speed (. I5 is still much faster than a i3 this generation Although a i5-4310U is "only", he hardly lags behind the current i5-5300, have decided consciously for this model)
- Exclusively USB3.0
- Wi-Fi super fast (802.11ac)
- All "important" components are compatible with Linux (except for fingerprint sensor and smartcard reader)
- Docking station available (quick change from the big screen at a desk and sofa without Kabelstöpselei)
- Precise touchpad and a "Thinkpad Gnubbel" (although still prefer using a mouse but it's essential also good)
- Very easy to maintain (a ground cover with 6 screws makes HD, RAM and battery to barter without keyboard or similar to remove)
- Only an 8GB RAM module installed, ie, the second slot is empty and an upgrade to 16GB with only one RAM module possible
- Softly, almost no heat generation (hab a SSD retrofitted, the HDD was naturally naturally naturally already heard but not annoying)
- BIOS (clearly, many setup and testing capabilities, UEFI or Legacy boot, complete hardware test)
Neutral:
- Battery life (about 6 hours) could be higher (the predecessor was allegedly better, because he had a "thicker" battery)
- No optical drive more (today actually an advantage because it easily breaks down and takes away space)
- "Only" three USB ports (all but 3.0), two rear (sometimes interferes on the sofa)
- Windows 7 Pro installed, Windows while 8.1 per DVD (if you need it, you therefore have a choice)
Cons:
Not previously available fingerprint sensor and smartcard reader on Linux -
- Border around the display could be narrower
Not available without Windows -
For me in the "below 1000 Class" is currently the best thing there is! With a fast SSD and second RAM module to 16GB upgraded a real workhorse!
On notebookcheck.com there is a detailed test report (found through Google search for "Test Dell Latitude e5550 laptop"), which was decisive for my choice and still contains many photos, benchmarks and details.
